EC proposes unified provincial assembly, local-level elections

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 15: The Election Commission Nepal has proposed to political parties that the local level and provincial assembly elections scheduled for 2027 be held on the same date.

According to the Commission, the tenure of local-level representatives will expire on May 13, 2027, while the term of the Provincial Assemblies will end on November 19 of the same year. 

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said that conducting both elections simultaneously could save the state more than Rs. 4 billion.

He said that a special discussion was held with political parties on Tuesday with the objective of making elections more economical, technology-friendly and systematic. 

The discussion, held at the Commission’s office, also focused on various aspects of electoral reform.

During the discussion, consultations were also held regarding elections to 74 vacant local level posts and vacant Provincial Assembly seats, which became vacant after elected representatives resigned to contest House of Representatives elections during the previous polls. 

Similarly, Bhandari said the Commission had already recommended to the government that an election be held for a vacant National Assembly seat representing Sudurpashchim Province following the death of a member.

The Commission stated that preparations are underway to forward the draft “Election Management Act” to Parliament through the Ministry of Home Affairs to modernise elections and make them technology-friendly. 

According to Bhandari, the draft, which was prepared around three years ago, was discussed again with political parties after suggestions were received from the Home Ministry.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari said, “In 2027, local level and Provincial Assembly elections must be held. Traditionally, Provincial Assembly and House of Representatives elections were conducted on the same date.”

“However, this time the terms of local governments and Provincial Assemblies expire on different dates. If the two elections can be held together, the state can save nearly Rs. 4 billion.”

“Separate elections would cost even more. Therefore, we request political parties to convey this message to Parliament. The Election Management Bill should be passed into law during the upcoming budget session. Only after the law is enacted will it be possible to conduct modern, technology-friendly elections. Without the law, elections cannot be conducted using technology.”

According to him, a new law is essential to ensure the use of modern technology and to guarantee free, fair and fear-free elections. 

Based on suggestions received from political parties, the Commission is preparing to finalise the draft and soon forward it to the legislature through the Ministry of Home Affairs.